Hometown Stories - Season 14 / Year 2024

There's a Korean restaurant in Northeastern Japan run by a woman from South Korea. She moved to the area over 30 years ago to marry a Japanese man. We follow her as she connects with local people.

A shuttered elementary school reopened for just one family that moved back to their beloved hometown. We look at their joys and struggles, and local efforts to enliven a small fishing settlement.

There is a mosque in western Japan where local Muslims gather to pray and seek help when they are troubled. For them, the mosque is like a second home that provides happiness and emotional support.

During World War II, a radio children's choir brought joy to its members and listeners alike. We uncovered the story of the teacher who led it, working to promote the cause of peace through music.

A one-legged climber, who uses forearm crutches, aims to conquer two rugged peaks in central Japan at the same time. We find out what spurs him to take up the challenge and what views await him.

Nepalese students who are studying in Japan are finding community at a local store selling Nepalese goods. What challenges do they face as they pursue their dreams so far from home?

Twelve years after a massive quake and tsunami in northeast Japan, we followed taxi drivers in Kesennuma, one of the affected towns, to experience people's memories and hopes through their eyes.

A small high school canoeing club trains hard every day. While persevering and improving their skills, they learn valuable life lessons in the clear waters of the Shimanto River in Kochi Prefecture.

A popular hiking guide in northern Japan brings smiles to the faces of all her clients. What events from her past brought her to where she is today? And what is her secret for spreading happiness?

In Nagasaki, a group of men practice for a traditional performance so tough that some have to drop out with injuries. Under their motto of "Smile," will they succeed and pass on the custom?

An improper diagnosis in early childhood led Shibasaki Akane to spend nearly half her life in a world without words. We follow her as she expands her horizons and moves toward an independent future.

Families come to Ago Bay, central Japan, to have loved ones' ashes encased in pearls. They insert them into oysters so they can grow in the sea. We explore what has made families reach this decision.

What happens when people gather to gaze at the stars? Through a variety of programs, a Japanese organization enables a broad range of participants to learn more about the universe and themselves.

In Japan's snowy north, an elderly woman has been making pickles for 70 years. Now, she must learn to adapt to new laws and a warming climate. And her efforts seem to be paying off.

In a mountain community in northeastern Japan, a 21-year-old man has decided to become the first successor of a traditional local Kagura dance in 50 years. We follow him as he prepares for his debut.

A man in his seventies has been transporting fruit and supplies to places affected by the 2011 disaster. On his final journey, he shares emotional farewells with people whose lives he's made brighter.

About 1,500 local men in traditional white costumes run down a mountain path, lighting up the night with sacred torches, in a centuries-old fire festival in Shingu City, western Japan.

A famed former trainer runs a ranch where retired racehorses spend their final days in nature bringing comfort to human visitors. But then an earthquake brings uncertainty to their peaceful lives.

A tree surgeon in Hiroshima lovingly treats trees that live on around 8 decades after the A-bomb devastation. He intentionally leaves their scars intact as some of them near the end of their lives.

A young doctor undergoes training to develop skills to help rural communities. What kind of care do his patients need to live life to the fullest? We follow him in his search for answers.

Five months after a big earthquake struck central Japan's Noto Peninsula, many residents have evacuated, but some stayed in their hometown. Faced with new challenges, they try to rebuild their lives.

In the city of Sakata in northeastern Japan, maiko have entertained people for centuries. Now, a master of the art is helping younger women follow in her path, and gain confidence with every step.

Potter Baba Kojiro uses stones from the quarry that is said to have produced Japan's first porcelain but was abandoned for centuries. What drives him to create pieces from this unique type of clay?

13 years after the Fukushima disaster, a potter returns to his empty hometown to revive the local craft. His potter son works in the town he evacuated to. What does tradition mean to the two men?

In a depopulated mountain area, a woman raises sheep and makes wool products that have received international acclaim. We look at her work and the community's efforts to recapture its vitality.

Ikuno Ward, Osaka, has one of Japan's most diverse communities with people from all over the world. A local NPO provides them with help and tutoring, trying to ensure that everybody can live together.

A retired man with dementia and his wife struggle to address his worsening symptoms. Despite their challenges, and faced with an uncertain future, the two remain deeply devoted to one another.

Since the 2011 tsunami, the population of Ogatsu, northeast Japan, has plummeted. We visit a fishing family and a traditional dancer who love their hometown and are trying to keep traditions alive.

Painter Yoshinari Ishimura has autism. His late mother sparked his love of animals, which now inspires his work. With his father's help, Yoshinari is expanding his world and bringing joy to others.

Minabe Town in western Japan is renowned for its ume plums. The town even has an official ume chief, who is eager to promote the fruit's appeal after hail and unusual weather hit this year's harvest.

On a remote island, a group of women from around Japan sail a sabani, a traditional Okinawan fishing vessel. Through teamwork and dedication, they form strong bonds and take on a grueling race.